Foldable table.



S. M. BOND. FOLDABLB TABLE. APPLIOATIoN-I'ILBD Nov. zo, 1909. l 963,502. Patented July 5, 1910.

unlink-SHEET 1.V

s. M. BOND. FOLDABLE TABLE.

APPLIOATIN FILED NOV. 20, 1909.

963,502. f Patented July 5,1910.

SLM. BOND.

` FOLDABLB TABLE. i ArPLIoATIoN FILED Nov. zo,v 1909'.

Patented July 5, 1910.

4 lHEBTB-SHIFBT 3.

sr.. M. BOND.

Y POLDABLE TABLE.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 20, 1909.4

963,502., n PaentedJu1y5,1910

4 SHEETS-532314:.

STOKELEY IVIARSHAL BOND, 0F WAURIKA, OKLAHOMA.

FOLDABLE TABLE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application led November 20, 1909.

Patented July 5, 1910.

Serial No. 529,104.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, STOKELEY M. BOND, a citizen of the United States, residing at Waurika, in the county of Jefferson and State of Oklahoma, have invented new and useful Improvements in Foldable Tables, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a foldable table of that class embodying a rolling top section.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a foldable table having a rolling top section with a conveniently operating and comparatively simple organization of elements whereby the table may be reduced to compact form or distended partially or fully, and reliably and positively braced and the rolling top held against swaying or sagging movements.

The invention consists in the construction and arrangement of the several parts which will be more fully hereinafter specified.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a longitudinal vertical section of a table embodying the features of the invention and shown extended to its full length. Fig. 2 is a crosssectional view of the table showing a portion of the same in elevation. Fig. 3 is a sectional side elevation of the table shown folded or reduced to compact form. Fig. 4 is a full section longitudinally through the table shown folded. Fig. 5 is a detail crosssection of a portion of the table and particularly illustrating the locking means for one of the side rails or supports. Fig. 6 is a detail cross-section of a portion of the table illustrating the means for attaching one of the braces to one of the side rails.v

manner of locking the folding table top.l

Fig. 11 is a detail horizontal section through one of the table legs showing the slots extending therethrough for the folding table top, the latter being illustrated in dotted lines. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of the center leg or pedestal and a part 0f one of the side rails or supports particularly illustrating the supporting means for the intermediate portion of the folding table top. Fig. 13 is a sectional elevation of a portion of the folding table top and the center leg or pedestal illustrating a modification of the construction shown by Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a horizontal section through a pair of the end legs for receiving the folding table top and embodying a slight modification in construction.

The numeral 5 designates the table top receiving legs at one extremity of the table structure and provided with a fixed top board or member 6 and a connecting panel 7 engaging the outer edges of the two legs. Cooperating with the legs 5 is a pair of movable legs 8 also connected by a fixed top board or member 9 and a panel 10. In tables which have considerable length it is preferred that a center leg or pedestal 11 be used, though in shorter tables the use of this center leg or pedestal may be avoided. Operatively associated with the legs as explained is a folding table top 12 composed of closely arranged slats hinged together by any suitable means and adapted to be moved into and outwardly from the legs 5.

The essential elements of the table as abclnve specified will now be described in detai In the form of the legs shown by all of the figures except Fig. 14, an elongated U- shaped slot 13 is cut through each leg and extends from lnear the lower end to a point near the upper end of the same, the outermost member of the slot continuing into an arcuate slot 14- extending inwardly and upwardly through the upper end of each leg 5 and serving as Van inlet and outlet for the folding table top 12. The slot 13 will b`e wide enough to provide for easy movement of the folding table top 12 thereinto and outwardly therefrom, and it will be understood that the slots 13 of the two legs will have all portions of the same in transverse alinement so as to insure an easy and reliable operation of the folding top 12. A U-shaped metal brace 15 is applied around the lower extremity of each slot 13 on the inner side of each leg 5, the legs of said brace projecting upwardly a `considerable distance over the leg to reinforce the latter and prevent any tendency of splittin or spreading of the leg by the movement o the folding top 12 thereinto or outwardly therefrom. 'For convenience inV operating` the table, each legV also has in its outer edge lportion a folding hook Y16 to engagera hook plate17 secured to a wall or other. support,

' .positive position while the operator is ex-.V

the hook 16of each leg folding into a slot- 18when'nt in-use; The'object of the hooksl 16; on the legs 5 is to secure the said legs in tending the table and also prevent the table whenffolded, as shown Vby Figs; 3 and 4,

, fromfphaving any tendency to tilt'` or fall from upright position.- In the form of the y leg. shown byV Fig,v 14 the folding table top 12-moves into and Youtwardly from grooves 19- formed in the inner opposing sides of the twolegs. The table top 12 operatingwith Y the legs 5having-the slots Y13 therethrough,

as shown for instance by -Fig 11is ,wider thanthe table top used with the legs 5 provided fwith the grooves 19, as shown by Fig.

f 14,- andfprojects loutwardlyat opposite sides beyond .the saidv legs and forms an overhanging sideY` ledge at each sidev of the table as Vshown loyFig. 2.

To the upper inner portion of each leg` 5 van angular 'bracket 20 is fixed, as vmore 'clearly shown, by'Fig. V9, and' fulcrumed thereto is a side rail or support formed of foldable sections 21 and 22 jointed as at 23. Thesections Y21 and"22ofthe side rails or supportsautomatically foldk and unfold as the legs 8.are pushedupwardly toward or adjacentto and away from the legs 5, and

V'inthe' outer edges of the legs 8l longitudinal Y the movement of the legs 8. The sections 21 and22are connected by a rule joint which the formation of the lower extensions 26 of' projects below the upper edges of thesaid sections-and 'to oneside, as shown by Fig. 5 and the slots 25 are formed with reduced lower extensions 26 for;VV the joints, and` by the slots 25, shoulders- 27 are provided on l which portions of the rails have bearing.

To lock the legs 8 against movement after the table is'fu-lly extended, transversely extendingtlatch bolts28 are mounted inthe r.said legs 8 to engage openings29 in the sections 22 ,of the rails, thev inner extremities of the bolts being readily laccessible through the medium of linger recesses 30 formed in Vfthe inner sideoftheupper portion of-the "connecting panel 10. These latch bolts 28 fare. readilyl accessible from opposite sides ofthetable.bytheoperatoror user and are simultaneously released from therails when Y' it is desired to collapseor fold the table.A

" Openings 31 are alsoV formed in the upper horizontal Varms of the'braclrets 2OV to receive the bolts 28 to lockV the partsy of the 'table' inY folded or fully collapsed condition. (When the table is only partially extended,

for example to the terminals of the sections 21, the sections 22 under such adjustment remain in the longitudinal grooves 24, and

when the table is fully closed both sections 21 andy 22 become housed in the grooves 24,

the legs 8 adjacent to said grooves being provided with turn-buttons or analogous devices 32 to hold the folded side rails positively in the said grooves. These'turnlbub tons 32 may also be used for holding the sections 22 in the grooves 24 when the table is only partially extended. To sustain the side rails in positive position, folding braces, 33 are employed and fulcrumed and pivoted respectivelj7 to the inner-sides of the legs 5 and 8. The braces 33V arefoldable downwardly yinto grooves 34 and 35 formed in the inner sides of the legs5and 8 as clearly shown by Fig. 3, yand thefree ends of said bracesare provided with i outwardly projecting bolts 36 formed with ,slotted ends 37 in which keys 38 are intermediately pivoted. The sections 21 and 22, of the side rails or supports have openings 39 formed therein and by slightly springing the braces 33 inwardlyl and turning the keys38 to aline with the bolts 36 the latter areinserted through the said openings 39Ya-nd the keyspermitted to assume their normal positi'ons,. thereby separably lock-ing the free ends of the braces to the side rails and maintainin the latteragainst sagging or bending an holding the table top 12 with suHicient resistance to obviate any tendency to depression thereof. In tables of comparatively shortlength the brace-s 33 will be ample vtosustain the table 12 in positive supporting position, but in tables Vof considerable length embodying long foldable tops 12itlwill be necessary to use an intermediate supporting means, which will be .presently described. i

To hold the foldable tops 12 against movement orentire separation at one extremity from the legs, a catch 4() is mounted in a groove 41 in the fixed topv board or member 6 over each leg 5, the outer extremities of the grooves 41 being countersunk as at 42 and the catches fulcrumed at points adjacent toV their outer terminals so they may be tilted by depressing .the outer extremitiesthereof into thecountersinks 42. The innerends of the catches 40 are'in the' form of hooks 43 to engage openings 44 inthe foldable table top 12, as shown by Fig. 10, the catches .when depressed in locking position having their upper surfaces iush with the upper surfaces of the fixed top boards or members 6. The openings, 44 aline with sockets45 in the tops of the legs 5 adjacent to the brackets 20 so that the hooks43 will project through the said i openings 44 into the sockets 45 and reliably secure the folding table top 12. The sockets 45 are important adjuncts in the retention of the table top 12 in immovable position by reason of the fact that the angular or hooked end of each catch 40 engaging the rear vertical wall of its corresponding socket at a point below the under side of the table top will obstruct any tendency to the accidental disengagement of the catch from the table top when the said catch is in locking position. The folding table top 12 at intermediate points is provided with other openings 46 to receive the hooks 43 of the catches 40 so as to hold the foldable table top 12 when the latter is only partially extended or drawn outwardly from the legs 5.

As above indicated, in long table structures it is preferable to use an intermediate leg or pedestal 11, and on the top of this leg or pedestal is a head 47 having dovetail edges 48 to engage a longitudinal groove 49 of corresponding contour formed in the center of the under side of a portion of the length of the top 12. The head just ex plained at the top of the leg or pedestal 11 may be modified in shape as shown by Fig. 13, wherein a head 50 of flanged contour is used to engage a correspondingly shaped groove51 in the under side of a portion of the top 12, the groove 51 having a metallic lining 52 which is extended outwardly over the under side of the top a short distance from the side walls of the groove 51 to strengthen the said top at these points and also provided with inwardly projecting flanges 53 to hold the head 50 in engagement with the groove. rlhe intermediate leg or pedestal 11 has elongated supporting bars 54 hinged thereto to extend longitudinally under and in close bearing relation to the foldable top 12, and attached to these supporting bars 54 are braces 55 composed of sections intermediately connected by rule joins as at 56 and foldable into grooves 57 in the opposite side of the leg or pedestal 11. The supporting bars 54 engage the longitudinal center of the under side of the top 12 and the latter is transversely sup ported by shorter bars 58 disposed at right angles to the bars 54 and also hinged to the sides of the leg or pedestal 11 in planes at right angles to the sides of said leg to which. the bars 54 are attached. The bars 58 also have foldable braces 59 secured thereto and to the leg 11 and composed of sections having intermediate rule joints 60, the said braces 59 being foldable into grooves 61 in the adjacent side of the leg or pedestal. By providing the braces 55 and 59 with rule joints it is obvious that when the braces are open or unfolded they will hold the bars 54 and 58 in horizontal position against the under side of the foldable top 12. To prevent the leg or pedestal 11 from having lateral movement or vibration or becoming displaced from a true supporting position, the outer ends of the supporting bars 58 are caused to engage notches or seats 62 in the inner portions of the opposite side rails.

To collapse the table, the braces 33 and bars 58 are first released from the side rails, the catches 40 disengaged from the top 12, and the latch bolts 28 simultaneously drawn inward to disengage the said side rails, and while holding the latch 4bolts the operator pushes inwardly on the legs 8 and the table top 12 is forced downwardly into the slot 13 or groove 19, as the case may be. As the parts are moving together as just ex plained, the rail sections 22 will slip outwardly through the slots 25 and subsequently by a like movement through the legs 8, the sections 22 bending or breaking joint by reason of the presence of the joints 23 when free to do so. Owing to the groove 49 in the table top 12, the intermediate leg or pedestal 11 will not be moved until the head thereof is engaged by the outer terminal of the said groove, and when this engagement ensues the intermediate leg will be moved with the legs 8 toward the legs 5, the braces 55 and 59 being first folded to let down the supporting bars 54 and 58. When the parts of the table have been fully collapsed the rail sections 21 and 22 will be disposed in the grooves 24 in the outer portions of the legs 8 and the braces 33 arranged in the grooves 34 and 35 respectively formed in the legs 5 and 8.

It is obvious that openings may be formed at differentpoints in the rail sections to accommodate only partial distention of the table and securement of the latch bolts 28 and also for correspondingly applying the braces 33.

The collapsible table, as hereinbefore explained, will be found exceptionally advantageous in its construction and operation and in view of the fact that it may be reduced to such small form it can be made to occupy a very small space within a coinpartment or room.

When two persons operate the table it will be unnecessary to use the hooks 16 and hook plate 17 as one person may hold the end of the table bearing the hooks 16 while the remaining person pulls on the opposite end. The parts are so proportioned that thel top 12 when extended will have its upper surface flush with the upper surfaces of the top boards or members 6 and when the two top boards are brought together, as shown by Figs. 3 and 4, they will also be flush. The table when collapsed or folded as shown by Figs. 3 and 4 may be used as a support for various articles if desired.

It is proposed to use such materials in the construction of the table as will best serve the purpose, and the invention is not limited to any particular means for movably and closely YVassembling the strips orslatsof the foldable top 12.

Whatis claimed is: Y

l' 1. In a table of thek class specified, the

combination of pairs of legs, a foldable `table top Vfixed at one extremity to one pair of legs and slidably movable downwardly into andupwardly through the inner opposing side portions of the other pair of legs,

gaged solelyby the central portion of andl and a'single intermediate leg slidably enrem'aining lin connection with the table top and moved to and from operative position by saidtop.

i2. In a table of the class specified, the combination of pairs of legs, one pair of legs VVbeing movable toward the other, a foldable Vduring a portion of its operation, the said intermediate leg being moved inv opposite directions by the table top. o

3.1411 atable of the class specified, thek combination of pairs of legs, one pair of legs being freely movable toward Yand from the other pair, a foldable table top ixed to the 'movable pair of legs and 'slidable downwardly into, upwardly through and outwardly .from the inner opposing portions of the'remaining pair of legs and composed of closely arranged iiexibly connected slats, the table top having a bottom groove extending over a portion of the longitudinal Y, center thereof, and an intermediate leg having the upper portion slidably engaging and remaining in association with said groove, theintermediate leg being moved out of and into operativeyposition by the table top.

4. In a table of t-he class specified, pairsI of legs, one pair of legs being movable to-v ward and from the other pair, foldable sideI rails vmovable through and slidable downwardly in to the movable pair of legs. and? hincged to the remaining pair of legs, and a' fol able table top fixedv to the movable pair of legs and slidable downwardly into, upwardly through and outwardly from the ref v maining pair of legs.

j 5. VIn a table of vthe class specified,

Y combination of pairs of legs, one pair ofj Y legs being movable toward and awayV from the other pair, a folding top fixed to the movable pair of legs and slidable downwardl'y into, upwardly through and out- Y wardly from' the other pair of legs, and folding side rails movably attached to thepair of legsrinto which the ytable top ,has-

KVtended condition.

acaricia movement and also movable through and slidable downwardly and foldable into and outwardly from the other pair of legs simultaneously with'the movement of the table ltop into and outwardly from the pair of legs which it slidably engages.

6. In a table of the class specified, pairs of legs, one pair of legs being movable toward and from the other, a folding table top lixed to the movable pair of legs and slidably movable into, upwardly through and outwardly from the other pair of leus, folding side rails movably attached to t e pair of legsvinto which the table top has slidable movement and also movable through and foldable do-wnwardly into and outwardly from the other pair of legs, and folding braces movably attached to the pairs of legs and secured to the siderails. y

7. In a table of the class specified, pairs .of legs, one pair of legs being movable toward and from the other, a folding table ,top fixed to the movable pair of legs and slidably movable into, upwardly through and outwardly from the other pair of legs, folding side rails movably attached to the ,pair of legs into which the table top has slidable movement and also movable through and foldable downwardly into and outwardlyV from the other pair of legs, and folding braces movably attached to the pairs of legs and detachably connected to the side rails, the braces `remaining in movable association with the pairs of legs.

8. In a table of the class specified, pairs 100 of legs, one pair of legs being movable toward and from the other pair, a table top fixed to the movable pair of legs and slidlable downwardly into, upwardly through ,and outwardly from the remaining pair of legs, :Foldable side rails kmovably attached -to the pair of legs into which the top has vsliding movement and also movable through and foldable downwardly into and outwardly from the other pair of legs, and braces mo-vablyconnected to and remaining in association with the pairs of legs and separably attached to the siderails, the braces also being foldable into the legs.

9. Ina table of'the class specified, pairs 115 of-legs, "one pair of legs being movable toward and from the other pair, a` foldable table top fixed tothe movable pair of legs and slidable downwardly into, upwardly lthrough and outwardly from the other pair of legs, foldable side rails movably attached Vthe to and remaining vin association with the pair of legs' into which the foldable top has slidable movement and also movable throughand foldable downwardly into and outwardly from the Yother pair of legs, and latch devices carriedl by the movable kpair 0f legs for engaging the side rails to lock the latter, 'the legs, and the" foldable top in dis- 10. In a table of the class specified, pairs of legs, foldable side rails movably connected to one pair of legs and also foldable into the remaining pair of legs, latch devices carried by the pair of legs in which the side rails are foldable to engage the said side rails and lock the parts of the table against movement, the latch devices also being operable to lock the parts of the table against movement when collapsed, and a folding table top movable into and outwardly from one pair of legs.

11. 1n a table of the class specified, pairs of legs, one pair of legs being held fixed and the other movable toward and from the fixed pair of legs, a folding top secured to the fixed pair of legs and also to the movable pair of legs and slidable downwardly into, upwardly through, and outwardly from the inner opposing portions of the fixed pair of legs, the table top and parts of the fixed pair of legs having openings and sockets respectively formed therein, and gravitating catches held on the top portion of the xed pair of legs and provided with angular terminals to extend through the openings of the table top into the sockets of the fixed pair of legs to prevent movement of the said top.

12. In a table of the class specified, pairs of legs, one pair of legs being fixed and the other movable in relation thereto, foldable side rails movable through and slidable downwardly into and outwardly from the movable pair of legs, a foldable top slidable downwardly into, upwardly through and outwardly from the fixed pair of legs, latch devices carried by the movable pair of legs for locking the side rails against movement, and catch means on the fixed pair of legs for engaging the folding top to prevent movement of the latter.

13. In a table of the class specified, pairs of fixed and movable legs, the legs having grooves therein for receiving the folding parts of the table, foldable side rails movably attached to and remaining in association with the fixed legs and movable through and slidable downwardly into and outwardly from the movable pair of legs, a folding top xed to the movable pair of legs and slidable downwardly into, upwardly through and outwardly from the fixed pair of legs, and folding braces attached to the side rails and the legs and movable into and outwardly from different portions of the legs.

14;. In a table of the class specified, pairs of end legs, a foldable top movable into and outwardly from one pair of the legs, and an intermediate leg having its upper extremity engaging the foldable top and movable by the latter during the operations of opening and closing the table.

15. In a table of the class specified, pairs of end legs, a foldable top movable into and outwardly from one pair of legs, and an intermediate leg having foldable supporting devices to engage the under side of the foldable top, the intermediate leg being movable by the foldable top.

16. In a table of the class specified, pairs of end legs, a foldable top movable into and outwardly from one pair of legs and having a groove extending partially over the length thereof, and an intermediate leg having a head engaging said groove, the intermediate leg being movable by the top in opening and closing the top.

17. In a table of the class specified, pairs of end legs, a foldable top movable into and outwardly from one pair of legs, foldable side rails, an intermediate leg engaging the foldable top and movable by the latter, and foldable supporting devices to bear against the under side of the intermediate portion of the top, a part of said supporting devices engaging the side rails.

18. In a table of the class s ecified, pairs of end legs, folding side rails, folding braces separably connected to the side rails and movably attached to the legs, a foldable top movable into and outwardly from a pair of the end legs, a single intermediate leg loosely engaging and remaining continually in association with the foldable top and movable by the latter, and supporting devices bearingagainst the under side of the foldable top and havino braces foldable into different portions of the intermediate leg, a part of the supporting devices separably engaging the side rails.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of two subscribing witnesses.

`STOKELEY MARSHAL BOND.

Witnesses:

CHAs. S. ELLIS, JOHN L. VERTREES. 

